The Edo State Assets Verification Committee, yesterday, presented its final report to Governor Monday Okpebholo, urging the state government to focus on areas where government resources have been mismanaged or improperly allocated under the past administration led by ex-governor Godwin Obaseki.
The committee also recommended that the state government immediately review all ongoing and past contracts to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee equally identified areas that required urgent attention, including the use of consultants in the supposed management and operations of government businesses by the Obaseki-led administration.
Presenting the final report to Okpebholo, the Chairman, Edo State Assets Verification Committee, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, said that the final report is a detailed account of the government’s assets, contractual obligations, along with a comprehensive analysis of the liabilities that have been accumulated over time.
He noted that the report marks the culmination of weeks of diligent work, careful examination, site visitations, interactions with stakeholders and thorough verification, carried out by the committee with the utmost commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of the assets and liabilities of the Edo State Government.
Umakhihe said: “Our task has not been without challenges, but the committee was driven by the need to provide the Edo State Government with a clear and accurate picture of its financial status as well as its assets and liabilities.
“As we submit the final report, we are not merely delivering a document, but the findings and recommendations of a meticulous process aimed at enhancing and protecting the future of our beloved state.”
Receiving the report, Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the State Assets Verification Committee for doing a good job.
He praised the committee for its commitment and dedication in handling the task, as well as coming up with a comprehensive report, assuring that the report will be looked into appropriately.
MEANWHILE, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, condemned the recent protest and subsequent resistance to lawful authority by members of the newly inaugurated Edo State Security Corp under its new leadership.
A statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, which was made available to newsmen in Benin, called on the Monday Okpebholo-led state government to address the demands and grievances of the security corps without delay.
The statement reads in part: ‘This protest, which could have been prevented, highlights a significant shortcoming in the government’s preparedness for governance.
It underscores a lack of effective strategies to ensure the safety and security of Edo State and its citizens, revealing a troubling level of incompetence within the current administration.
